Chew | Wga [verified]

Your entire oral cavity is lined with a protective layer of mucus. This mucus is rich in glycoproteins (proteins with sugar chains attached). WGA has a specific, high-affinity binding site for N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid —two sugars abundant in human saliva and mucosal tissue.

But what happens when you chew WGA? The answer reveals a fascinating, and sometimes concerning, interaction between a plant protein and your immune system. Wheat Germ Agglutinin is a type of lectin —a protein that binds to specific sugar molecules. In the wheat plant, WGA acts as a natural pesticide, deterring insects and fungi. It’s found in highest concentrations in the wheat germ (the reproductive part of the kernel) and, to a lesser extent, in the bran and endosperm. chew wga

When you chew, WGA literally “glues” itself to the surface of your mouth. This is the physical sensation you perceive as stickiness or pastiness. Your entire oral cavity is lined with a